Shibboleth - The phrase "like herding cats" didn't come about for no reason. It's because case are, at best, only ever a small step from being feral and as such can be a law unto themselves. The vast majority of pet owners are responsible human beings. Should I regard all dog owners as selfish idiots because one git lets his dog piss on my motorbike cover? Nah, didn't think so.

In response to the OP - The problem with shooting at cats with a gun of any sort is that if the irate cat owner sees you and calls the police you're likely to get a raid from armed police, a night or more in the cells and a criminal record. I speak from experience, having called the cops on one such neighbour (had I known armed response cops would arrive mob handed and close our street before kicking the guys door in I would have simply called round to the guy in person and made my displeasure known).

Water works a treat - cats hate water, and aren't daft. No cat owner in the world will object to their moggy being ejected from the premesis in this manner.

Also, if you want to make doubly sure a fox isn't involved (as cats will almost always bury their poop), spray a wee drop vinegar in the affected areas. Cats, dogs and foxes all dislike the smell. Job done! (or not, hopefully!)

Also, if you want to make doubly sure a fox isn't involved (as cats will almost always bury their poop), spray a wee drop vinegar in the affected areas. Cats, dogs and foxes all dislike the smell. Job done! (or not, hopefully!)

update: i installed the sonic repeller on Thursday evening...the following morning there was just the one deposit of cat poop....Saturday morning fared better as there was just a little wet patch in the gravel where the cat had taken a leak...but since then we have not had any more visits...so it seems like its working...

How can you possibly say they're responsible when they turn the things out to roam free???

The only responsible cat owners are the ones that keep their cats indoors where they can do no harm.

A cat roaming free can kill birds, defaecate in childrens' gardens, sandpits and cause all manner of problems for other people, including spreading disease and endangering health. How can it be "responsible" to allow that?

My garden is around 1 acre, so it's rather difficult to protect it with a Super Soaker! However, a .22 rimfire rifle works a treat, and I have no quarms whatsoever about using it to rid my property of the scourge of irresponsible, selfish twunts' cats.

"How can you possibly say they're responsible when they turn the things out to roam free???"

Um....because doing so isn't irresponsible? Imagine, the front of pet owners caring about their pets and letting out. Still, my humble apologies for helping contribute to the world not being quite to your liking or convenince.

"A cat roaming free can kill birds, defaecate in childrens' gardens, sandpits and cause all manner of problems for other people, including spreading disease and endangering health. How can it be "responsible" to allow that?"

A car driving down the road could become uncontrolled and knock someone over, killing them. A bike could hit a walker, injuring them. How irresponsible is that? Ha ha ha... Seriously, you need to take a good hard look at yourself. Letting a cat out isn't "allowing" anything. The world works by people trying to live beisde others and actually colaborating. Like the OP was trying to do.

"My garden is around 1 acre, so it's rather difficult to protect it with a Super Soaker! However, a .22 rimfire rifle works a treat, and I have no quarms whatsoever about using it to rid my property of the scourge of irresponsible, selfish twunts' cats"

2 things here - No1, that comment could get you a visit from the police. You've just admitted to breaking the law. No2, it might also get you beaten limp by a cat owner who finds their pet injured or killed by your intolerance.

Do you shoot at birds because they eat worms? Or are your value judgements always as subjective? Projecting human values onto animals or expecting human values of animals is preposterously stupid.

UPDATE: Its now been 5 months since i installed the sonic cat repeller and in that time i've not found any more evidence of them using the garden as a toilet...so i can confidently say the cat repeller works!!

I just googled pooing animal repellants and it directed me back to STW! 5 appearing in my garden, which I discovered after finding one on my back wheel. I have a chilli sauce which I haven't got on with (bitter astringent taste) and was going to chuck it out. Well I have now, just all over the lawn! Hopefully it'll keep the poo-fiends away.